Sisterhood and the Job's Daughters

When a person looks back on the fondest memories of their life, most find the best of these moments are shared with both friends and adversaries. Human beings are a social lot and our interactions, both good and bad tend to carve the deepest lines our personality. We are drawn together, most commonly by our peers and the shared experiences which follow bring out the best of what humanity has to offer. Nowhere is this premise better demonstrated than in the halls of Price's Masonic Temple by a group of blossoming girls known as the Job's Daughters.

"My daughter used to be quite shy," said Lisa Ockey, this year's Bethel 3 Guardian, whose daughter is also past Honored Queen. "Due in large part to the Job's she no longer has a shy bone in her body. Her public speaking has improved and she has learned to be a leader."

Ockey's story is a common one within an organization which has stood the test of time and proved to be a beacon for every type of young woman.

The organization was founded in 1920 by Mrs.Ethel T. Wead Mick to provide an opportunity for young women to work together, to learn about themselves and to help others, according to the Job's Daughter's International website. Jobies, as they are sometimes called, can join at the age of ten and stay until the age of 20. The group follows no specific religious body but does require that its members have a belief in God. That belief coupled with a Masonic Heritage are the only requirements for membership. Chiefly among the Job's tenets are the promotion of friendship among young women and a commitment to community service.

In Carbon County the Bethel, as all individual local groups are called, has doubled in size over the past four years. At present, its members are dedicated young women who range in age from 10 to 17, showing that an organization which promotes friendship over competition is still popular.

Raelynne Colton, a past Honored Queen, majority member and Recorder of the Grand Bethel of Utah, has become a mentor for local girls and a Job's Daughter veteran.

"At the beginning I was glad to finally have my own thing to do, somewhere I could go put on a dress and feel pretty," explained Colton. "Now I enjoy being a mentor for the girls. Some of them actually do take my advice."

When discussing the work her younger sisters are doing, it is easy to see the pride Colton has.

"So many of them were word perfect on their work recently and I got to help with that," she said.

Despite what many think, becoming a Job's Daughter does not involve an embarrassing ritual or test of courage. Initiations are solemn, meaningful ceremonies presented by Bethel Officers. Parents are welcome at initiations and all of the meetings.

Kylie Ockey who was last year's Honored Queen, the highest position a Jobie can attain, focused on the way her confidence has grown since joining the Bethel.

"The Job's don't judge you whatsoever," she said. "Older girls at the Bethel were a lot more accepting at the temple than the girls in high school. Because of that, I learned to be okay with myself regardless of where I was."

While there is a large range in age difference between many of the girls, their thoughts about what makes the Job's special happen to be very similar. Three young members recently were accepted from East Carbon and all three, in one way or another, reported growth due to their new relationships.

"Being a Jobie makes me feel independent," said Kearston Hamblin.

"Joining really wasn't scary," contined Kayla Maynes, who admits to being scared of quite a few things.

Izabella Marshall also credits the association with a major accomplishment in her young life.

"My public speaking is better and that helped me become President at Bruin Point Elementary," said Marshall, when asked how the group has helped her.

While many of the members feel independent because of the Job's, others have found that the organization helps them to have a common ground with their parents.

"This group has given me and my daughter something we can do together, said Kelly Wilkinson, who was the Job's Guardian for the past three years and has been involved since her daughter joined. "It builds strong young women and gives them a foundation on which to build their lives."

Her daughter Lauren Wilkinson also enjoys the time spent, as both her parents are involved with both the Masons and Job's Daughters. However, she also had her own comments about the core of the organization. The power real friendship can have.

"Everyone is different and special," said Lauren, this year's Junior Princess. "We accept each other and are kind to one another. It's a simple idea...we all work together as sisters."